Revellers will be hoping to wallow in nostalgia rather than mud at this weekend’s Rewind Festival.
Around 25,000 people of all ages are expected to turn out for the celebration of 1980s music at Scone Palace almost twice as many as last year.
The regal location will be offset by a sea of pink cowboy hats, lime green tutus, fluffy leg-warmers and glow sticks, with more than a few mullets also expected to make an appearance.
The open-air event is expected to provide a major shot in the arm for Perth traders suffering poor returns due to the unseasonable summer weather.
People could be seen stock-piling food and drink at local stores and outdoor retailers reported a surge in camping supplies sales.
Although many are choosing to brave it in a tent, other more discerning festival-goers have booked bed and breakfast stays at a number of the city’s hotels.
Big names on the bill this year include Village People, Big Country, Holly Johnson of Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Adam Ant, along with Dundee/Perth heroes Average White Band.
Other highlights include appearances from Scottish icons Midge Ure, Jimmy Somerville and Altered Images, as well as the reformed original line-up of Five Star, The Lightning Seeds, Marc Almond, Chesney Hawkes, Roland Gift, Right Said Fred and Les McKeown from the Legendary Bay City Rollers.
After the downpour earlier this week, the sun is shining as today’s acts take to the stage but forecasters are predicting isolated showers on Sunday morning. The outlook is far brighter than had been anticipated.
The palace hosted the ill-fated Scottish Game Fair at the end of last month, which had to be called off after just one day due to the poor weather. Stallholders from across the country were forced to pack up when the grounds became a quagmire.
The online rumour mill began turning when the heavens opened again late on Tuesday night but festival organiser David Heartfield moved to allay any fears.
He assured ticketholders that the gates would open, ”whatever the weather”.
Extra steps have been taken to safeguard the site, including the installation of a semi-permanent all-weather roadway.
”We have had prior warning so have been preparing for the worst possible weather. It is the summer of mud after all,” Mr Heartfield said.
”It doesn’t really matter if it’s squelchy underfoot everyone just needs to ensure they bring their wellies and waterproofs.”